Kevin Thomson: This is why I turned down senior jobs to work with Rangers youth

Rangers Academy coach Kevin Thomson has revealed why he turned down opportunities to take jobs in senior football in favour of working with the Gers’ Under-13’s – and admitted he wants to “do it properly” and have a long career in coaching.

Thomson was one of a number of appointments to the club’s Academy staff earlier this week as the Gers continue towards their stated aim of regularly producing quality talent.

The former Rangers and Scotland midfielder was offered the chance to take the reins at League One side East Fife earlier in the year but decided against it to continue to cut his teach as a coach before taking the leap into management.

Thomson admitted some things were still the same at the Gers’ Auchenhowie training ground from when he was a player and revealed he’s striving for “longevity” as a coach.

“All kinds of things are still in place at Rangers from when I was a player, albeit I understand my new position now,” Thomson said, as quoted by The Scotsman.

“I am going to a different car park. I am not going to the pros’ car park, I am not a player any longer. It is not about me. It is about being the best I can be for the kids.”

“Longevity is the key, some people will say I am not brave enough to take a manager’s job now. But I want to do it properly, put into practice what I’m thinking, and what I’ve learned.

“I am only 33. Five years down the line, how good a coach might I be then?”

During his time with the Gers, Thomson made 109 appearances and lifted two Scottish League Cups and a Scottish Cup before heading south and joining Middlesbrough in 2010.

The 33-year-old joins a number of former Gers players now working in the club’s Academy with Peter Lovenkrands, Stephen Wright, Brian Gilmour and Gergory Vignal all working with various age groups at the club’s Auchenhowie training ground.